According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ air quality monitor, SAFAR, Delhi’s overall air quality index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Wednesday morning, with a reading of 379 at 7 am. However, today’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) has dropped from 396 on Tuesday to 379.

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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a series of instructions to the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday evening in order to address the air pollution crisis in Delhi and its surrounding region. 

This comes after an emergency meeting was held on Tuesday to address the Delhi-NCR pollution crisis. The measures will go into effect right away. On November 22, state governments are required to submit compliance reports. 

What Experts have to say?

Experts are advising people to avoid crowded places and use N95 masks due to concerns about the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and its effects on one’s health.

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“Delhi’s air quality has worsened for a few days. People should not go to crowded places and go out in the sun. They should also use N95 marks for their protection,” Dr. Richa Sarin, Consultant Pulmonologist was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“People should not go out early in the morning and late at night to avoid pollution,” she added.

Particulate Matter (PM) levels in most parts of the capital have reached “dangerous levels”, according to Dr Rajesh Chawla, a senior pulmonologist at Apollo Hospital. Masks must be changed quickly, he said.

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“Two major constituents in the air are PM 10 and PM 2.5. The PM 2.5 levels in most of the parts of Delhi have reached dangerous levels,” Dr Chawla said.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed all schools, colleges, and educational institutions in the National Capital Region to remain closed until further notice, with only online education being permitted. 

The commission also instructed Delhi and the NCR states to halt construction and demolition activities in the region until November 21, with the exception of “railway services/railway stations, metro rail corporation services, including stations, airports, and inter-state bus terminals (ISBTS) and national security/defence-related activities/projects of national importance” and strict adherence to the C&D Waste Management Rules and dust control norms. 

Trucks carrying non-essential goods are not permitted to enter Delhi until Sunday.